Valve Amps: Where do you stand

Difficult to get a trouble free OTL. They have a habit of smoking. AliT has some reliable ones though.

Had three extended sessions with two different Crofts. A series 5 which I believe wasn't one of Glenns own and a 7.

7 was better than 5, Krell is better than both lol

I’d never say never, but I wonder if I will ever bother with pre and power again, my fave speakers are all easy to drive and I like the ease of one box.

I am hooked I am afraid to say on the industrial look of all that stuff and wires all over the place, like a veteran car every thing tagged on.  I have the space, dedicated man cave so why not.

And Integrated always looks a bit of a slab, cake tin, don't make those nice big shiny real alloy, full of knobs, switches and big analogue meters like they used to do they.

Audion or Border Patrol are the only valve amps I would give house room to, of the valve amps I have listened to of course.

Well, I didn’t wait long before snapping up a bedroom amp. Probably more of a stop gap but should be fun while it lasts.

Small? Check.
Pretty? Check.
Integrated that’s plug and play? Check.
Valve? Errrr, is the Nait 1 a valve amp?

I've tried a few, owned a Trilogy Vti (original model) ran hot as hell and was flaky. Owned a pair of EAR 509's which were solid but a bit noisy even after a service from Tim. Kinda done with them now, not my cup of tea, I like fit and forget kit.

Anybody wanting to try a valve power amplifier could check out the Leak Stereo 20.

It only has 12 watts per channel, bur they are very willing and punchy watts, so these little amps will drive a surprising range of speakers without bother. Despite their age, the Leaks offer a pretty modern and very decent sound. They work very well with a passive pre-amp. Being simply laid out, they are a doddle to work one too, although they tend not to give much bother. That's why there are still so many about.

I've owned three of them in the past and could definitely live with one happily.

More profit to be made from stockpiling older Quad power amps. The 306, 606, 707 and 909. Mark my words, they will rise sharply in value soon.

Last of the quality British made amps with a build nobody else matches, let alone at the price. You are unlikely to see anything like them again. Those around now will be snapped up by those who know a good thing. I've not checked Quad asking prices in the far east, but I'll bet they're getting silly, as they are for all proper British gear and that will push values up.

The Quads are not the best amps in the world, but they offer a heck of a lot for what is basically peanuts...........so far!

I've got a 306 and 707, but may treat myself to an early 909 (later ones are Chinese built). If you're not striving for the most 'impressive' sound and just listen to one for a while, you realise that all the music is there and the sound is effortless and relaxed. In other words, you'd have a job making one sound bad in most systems.

The 306 is the most lucid by the way, but the least powerful, still a useful fifty watts though in a tiny box. Makes a great back-up amp. Everybody should have one! 

The problem with QUAD, IMO, is their choice of components, they're famous for it. Iconic indutrial design filled with Sh#t parts.They had a high point around the 6 series stuff.

Must be just a fluke then that the 306 has a reputation for decent sound and reliability.

I don't doubt you, Geoff. It's actually piqued my interest that you think so highly of it. I'm willing to try one with an open mind.